All Forum Posts by: Randy F.

You cannot ask a question and then expect to dictate what answers you will receive. When someone asks a question, they are opening themselves up to varied opinions from a large number of posters, all of whom have as much right to respond as the original poster has to post.

Think of it this way... To be effective and successful in business, one needs to have a thick skin. If that business happens to be RE investing, BP is just the place to grow one! If that doesnt work for ya, all you have to do is wait... You will eventually receive the answer you were looking for.

I would take as close a look as possible(even try to get in it) at the 3/2 that sold for 163K and compare it to yours. If the structure, lot, and position in the neighborhood compare and its all about the interior finishes, Id build out the basement, pay strict attention to the details on the rest of the place, and list it at 173k to start.

I bury mine under the second oak on the left and nail a board to the tree that reads: "Note to self... This is where you buried yer gold".

I think you may need to have an exorcism done on the place! There's something weird going on. The floor went from bowed to sagging in three days!! I wouldnt walk... Id RUN away from this deal! :c)

Is the floor where the bowing has occurred over a pony wall in crawlspace? Normally if a perimeter foundation wall sinks, you get floors that are out of level, not bowed. Ive actually seen more bowed floors in new construction when framers set floor joists crown up... just didnt reject joists with too much crown. Old houses I usually see slanted floors unless there is a pony wall or posts that held position while foundation did not. In those cases problem can often be rectified by making adjustments at these points.

Bowed floor joists can either be treated as posted earlier(kerfs at bottom of offending joists and married with new joists) or by pulling subfloor and planing off bow. The latter is my preference because you have more control and unless its a long span you dont have to marry them with additional joists.

I dunno. Not enough info. Are you sure someone just didnt install laminate tight to plates. Ive seen them turn into small ski hills during high humidity!!

If a landlord hires a handyman, and it is found that the handyman accidentally burned the house down, both would/could be named in a negligence suit. If the handyman didnt have insurance the landord would be liable. Remove the handyman from the scenario and the landlord is still liable. Whether intentional or accidental, you destroy anothers property, you are held responsible. Many attorneys give free initial consultation. I her losses are great, she should talk to one.

LOL! May be!

Ok, in the interest in offering the best advice to folks who wouldnt be asking questions if they had a professional at their disposal, please put a leash on your ego and explain the process your guys used in detail. After all, this SHOULD be about offering best practices and solutions to others.

Being that prep is everything... What was done before floating and how much time did it take? What did you mean by "high spots"? What kind of mud was used? All purpose, hot mud, a plaster mix?

Hey Joel! I think they've come a long way over the past few years. Its sturdy enough to build 1 1/4" x 3' x 7' panels. I was impressed when I saw that. On beefier countertops they do a partial pour, lay in a sheet of styrofoam and then complete the pour, fully encasing the foam in concrete. Im sure they are much lighter than granite.

I've actually done quite a few granite tile countertops. These homeowners were just set on them. They wanted the look without spending the money on slabs. Its pretty high up here. I use granite tile with a micro bevel, run 1/16" grout lines, and use epoxy grout. With full grout lines dirt isnt trapped and they are easy to clean.

I wondered about maintenance. Do you know... Was it that they need to be sealed more frequently than granite?

Hate granite? No, but does a kinda sorta dislike work? Granite has been all the rage for quite some time now, but I like to be different! Doubt it will pass any time soon. My fat thumbs have taken long google walks and Ive seen some really awesome stuff and Ive seen some really hideous stuff as well. Me thinks yous guys are correct in that it takes a skilled artisan to turn out more than boat anchors.

I have a feeling they may get a similar reaction to what tile tops get. People either love them or hate them. It appears the design possibilities are endless tho. Im definitely interested maybe. Thanks for your input! :c)